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Capello confirms Terry blow

10 Oct 2008 - 13:07:23

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Fabio Capello has backed England to cope without John Terry for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan, after confirming that his captain has been ruled out with a back injury.

Terry was expected to miss the Wembley clash after failing to take part in any of England's sessions at their St Albans training base this week.

The Chelsea defender aggravated a long-standing back injury during his side's victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend.

But despite the absence of his regular skipper, head coach Capello has backed his side to deliver against Kazakhstan under the leadership of vice-captain Rio Ferdinand.

"It is a problem in the back for Terry," he confirmed.

"But we have plenty of players, we have the substitutes. I am sure the substitute of John Terry will play well."

The Italian coach will now select one from Wes Brown, Joleon Lescott or Matthew Upson to partner Ferdinand on Saturday.

Everton defender Lescott is the favourite to receive the nod after deputising for the injured Ferdinand during last month's victory over Andorra.

However, Upson could be selected after impressing Capello for West Ham United this season, while Brown is a team-mate of Ferdinand at Manchester United, although more used to playing at right-back rather than at the centre of defence.

Meanwhile, Capello has refused to rule Terry out of Wednesday's trip to Minsk, where England will take on Belarus in the second leg of a qualifying double-header.

When asked about the possibility of Terry returning, he added: "I don't know, it depends on his back.

"If he can train a bit the day after tomorrow."